Apply
Click the ICON if you are ready to apply to a degree program. We offer online applications for a streamlined process.
Schedule A Visit
Click on the ICON if you would like to schedule a visit. We offer virtual open houses, information sessions, individual sessions, class previews and virtual tours to offer to prospective students.
Request Info
Click the ICON to receive more information regarding our degree programs and/or to speak to one of our admissions recruiters.
MASTER OF ARTS IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
Chaplaincy Studies Specialization
The specializations for the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM) degree program have been designed in light of the mission of Memphis Theological Seminary and the strengths of the faculty. Students will be assigned a faculty adviser who will guide the student in course selections so that those reflect the specialized ministry in which the student chooses to focus.
The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry offers specializations within different areas. All specializations share the common core of required courses in Bible, theology, and church history, along with requirements in the areas of the social context for ministry and the practice of ministry. The latter requirements are shaped with regard to the student’s specialization and include practicum and immersion components.
The Chaplaincy Studies specialization allows students who are interested in pursuing the call to ministry as a chaplain to deepen their theological preparation and practical skills for this important ministry that usually occurs outside of the local congregation either in hospitals, other health care facilities, prisons, the military, or the workplace.
The MACM in Chaplaincy Studies does not provide professional credentials with professional chaplains’ associations. However, it enhances the theological and practical understanding of the ministry of chaplaincy and will strengthen the qualifications and preparedness for those who wish to pursue ministries of chaplaincy upon graduation from seminary. Students should bear in mind that many denominations require an M.Div. degree for ordination, and that ordination is required for credentialing by many professional chaplains’ associations.
Core Courses
| Introduction to Theological Study for Ministry | 3 |
| Interpreting the Hebrew Bible | 3 |
| Interpreting the New Testament | 3 |
| Christian Heritage I | 3 |
| Christian Heritage II | 3 |
| Total credits in Core Courses | 15 |
Cultural Context
| Context and Models for Mission and Evangelism | 3 |
|
Interfaith and Intercultural Elective (with immersion) or Christian Ethics |
3 |
| Total credits in Cultural Context | 6 |
Personal and Spiritual Formation
| Formation, Spirituality, and Ministry | 3 |
| Formation and Contextual Ministry (involves a ministry placement in a chaplaincy context) | 3 |
| Total credits in Personal and Spiritual Formation | 6 |
Specialization Courses
| CS 301 Introduction to Chaplaincy Studies | 3 |
| CS elective | 3 |
| CS elective | 3 |
| PC 200 Theology and Practice of Pastoral Care | 3 |
| PC 300 Clinical Practicum | 3 |
| Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)* | 1 unit |
| Total credits in Specialization Courses | 15 hours plus 1 unit of CPE |
Free Elective
| Free Elective | 3 |
| Total credits in Free Elective | 3 |
Integrative Seminar
| MACM Integrative Seminar: Formation and the Practice of Ministry | 3 |
| Total credits in Integrative Seminar | 3 |
Total credits: 48
* PC 350 Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) may be taken for credit or not for credit. For the non-credit
option, students will not be registered for credit hours nor will they be charged tuition or fees for the unit of
CPE. For the credit option, students taking one semester of CPE will be registered for 3 credit hours
(including tuition and fees) that will satisfy the Free Elective requirement. Students taking one
year of CPE will be registered for an additional 3 credit hours (including tuition and fees) that will satisfy
the PC 300 Clinical Practicum requirement under Specialization Courses.
The student’s CPE placement must be approved by the Director of the Center for Pastoral Wholeness and
Chaplaincy Studies from an accredited program with either the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education
(ACPE) or the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP).
Note: Within the area of specialization no more than three courses may transfer in from another accredited seminary.
Colloquia Credits: MACM students are required to earn 6 theological colloquia credits. The colloquia are administration and faculty-approved events held on campus or other events approved by the student’s faculty adviser.
Required GPA for Graduation: Students are required to maintain a minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average.
Requirements for Ordination: Memphis Theological Seminary offers additional courses that meet ordination requirements for certain denominations. Students seeking ordination should consult their denomination officials to ascertain current requirements and procedures.
NOTE: Degree requirements listed here are for overview purposes only. Official degree requirements are found in the most current Academic Catalog or on current degree sheets.
Heritage
Students should be able to understand and critically interpret scripture, history, and Christian theology.
Cultural Context
Students should be able to analyze local and global contexts and respectfully explore culturally non-dominant perspectives in light of Christian tradition.
Formation
Students should be able to show growth in personal faith, emotional maturity, and moral integrity.
Leadership
Students should be able to employ practical theological reflection and exercise skills within a specialized ministry.
CLICK ON OUR CHAT ABOUT CHAPLAINCY VIDEOS
Our videos share the insight from our former students and current students who are serving in the area of chaplaincy. They answer questions about the industry and discuss the impact of the pandemic on how they serve.
Important Admission and Financial Aid dates
NOTICE: If you intend to apply for scholarships as an incoming student you MUST meet the early application deadline.
| August 9, 2024 Fall 2024 Admission deadline for Masters & Certificate programs |
August 19-22, 2024 Fall 2024 Orientation and Residency I for New MDiv & MACM |
August 19, 2024 First day of Fall 2024 Classes |
| October 1, 2024 2025-2026 FAFSA Opens MTS School Code G10529 |
December 31, 2024 Spring 2025 Scholarship Application deadline |
January 10, 2025 Spring 2025 Admission deadline |
| January 13-16, 2025 Spring 2025 Orientation and Residency I for New MDiv & MACM |
January 13, 2025 First Day of Spring 2025 Classes |
April 30, 2025 Admission deadline for DMin program |
| May 31, 2025 Fall 2025 Scholarship Application deadline & Fall 2025 Early Admission deadline for Masters & Certificate programs |
August 8, 2025 Fall 2025 admission deadline for Master's & Certificate programs |
We appreciate your interest in Memphis Theological Seminary. The MTS admissions staff is committed to supporting you in your theological journey. We are here to help you while you are discerning your call, considering degree and certificate options, and supporting you as you do ministry in the real world. At MTS we are committed to educating and sustaining men and women for ordained and lay ministry in the church and the world through shaping and inspiring lives devoted to scholarship, piety, and justice. Please don’t hesitate to ask how we can assist you along in your journey.
Terrick Banks
LaShonna Williams
lkwilliams@memphisseminary.edu
Enrollment Services Assistant
Fekecia Gunn
flgunn@memphisseminary.edu
Associate Dean for Students